630. JOHN A. LEJEUNE (1867-1942) "The Greatest of all Leathernecks" 13th United States Marine Corps Commandant, commanded a division during the First World War. Fine content, lengthy A.L.S. "John" 8pp. sm. 8vo., "2nd Division", Aug. 10, 1918, to his wife, whom he addresses as "My precious wife". In part: "...Some how this has been one of my blue days. Nothing has happened to cause me to have the blues so I think my stomach is a little upset on account of our wretched cook. I am glad to say that Col Rhea's fine soldier cook arrived tonight...The Division photographer took a morning picture film of the Japs and myself, so don't be surprised to see us in the movies. This section is so quiet as to be dull, & I will have to find something to read to pass the evening hours away. Poor McClennan has had an awful time with a tooth...I seem to be making friends with these Army officers, but they belong, somehow, to a different tribe, and it is hard to get into the ring. I think I will succeed, and if I can gain their confidence, everything will soon be smooth sailing. My general staff consists of Colonel Preston Brown, Col. Rhea, Lt Col Herbst, & Lt Col Matthew (USMC). They are all nice men, & I will grow to know them after a bit. The news from the battle work go on say I. Soon the summer will near, and you will be returning to Washington...Many a hundred thousand living hearts are separated, & I know there are many anxious hearts at home. Every body in the Division is looking fine & in tip top shape and they will soon be ready again for a scrap. Colonels Lee & Feland [?] command the two Marine regiments, and both make fine Colonels and are highly thought of by everybody. Holcomb is the Lieutenant Colonel of Lee's regiment now...". Less than a month before this letter, Lejeune had taken command of the 4th Brigade 2nd Division in Quantico, Virginia, a post in which he remained in August 1919. Very good to fine. $300 - 400